Valley high school band raising funds for Sandy victims

PHOENIX — Three months after Superstorm Sandy hit the Northeast, some Valley students are turning to music to generate money and deliver joy.

Band members at Mountain Pointe High School in Ahwatukee are trying to raise $5,000 so Bay Head School in New Jersey can replace musical instruments destroyed by floodwaters.

“They’re not even having music classes right now,” said Susan Conely, who is helping organize the Keep the Beat Going fundraisers. “I think they’re excited to know that someone’s working on getting supplies for them.”

Conely said a community member has donated a concert tuba and Mountain Pointe’s Language Arts Honor Society has donated $1,000. Band members have sold donuts and a car wash is planned for February, while the big fundraiser will take place April 11, when a silent auction will be held in conjunction with a combined concert presented by Mountain Pointe High School and the Ahwatukee Foothills Concert Band.